Editing Technical writing (section)

==Overview==
{{further|Technical writer}}
Technical writing is most commonly performed by a trained [[technical writer]] and the content they produce is the product of a well-defined process. Technical writers follow strict guidelines so the technical writing they share appears in an uniformly standardized and popularly used format and style (e.g., [[Darwin Information Typing Architecture|DITA]], [[markdown|markdown format]], [[AP Stylebook]], [[Chicago Manual of Style]]). A technical writer's primary job is communicating technical information in the most clear and effective way possible.<ref name="Mike Markel 2012">{{cite book|author=Mike Markel|title=Technical Communication 10th Edition|publisher=Bedford/St. Martins|year=2012}}</ref>{{rp|p=4}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technical Writers: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm#tab-1 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=www.bls.gov |language=en-us}}</ref> To achieve the highest level of clarity, an organization's technical writing should be indistinguishable to the reader - with no variations in the established format, grammar, and/or style between authors.  A technical writer's subject matter is often complex, so strong writing and communication skills are essential. Technical writing is in no way limited to written communication. [[Visual communication]] is often incorporated into documentation to help simplify complex topics. Technical writers use various modern image and graphics editing software to produce visual communication. Software to edit [[illustration]]s, diagrams, and [[CAD]] explosions are common tools of the trade.<ref>{{cite web|author=Johnson, Tom|url=http://idratherbewriting.com/2011/12/19/what-tools-do-technical-writers-use/|title=What Tools Do Technical Writers Use|work=I'd Rather Be Writing|date=December 19, 2011|access-date=May 4, 2014}}</ref>

In some cases, engineers may perform the technical writing for the project they are working on, but this rarely occurs in large organizations where products must be released or revised weekly. On the business side, marketing materials or press releases are usually written by writers trained in a marketing field and/or creative writing. However, a technical writer may be relied upon to provide editing and other input on any technical content an organization may produce.